Chinese, Russian, and Iranian warships have arrived off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, for a week-long joint naval exercise amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The drills, held under the BRICS framework, aim to practice maritime safety, anti-piracy operations, and improve cooperation among participating navies.

Their arrival coincides with heightened tensions following U.S. military action in Venezuela and the seizure of Venezuelan-linked oil tankers, which drew criticism from Moscow and Beijing.

South Africa says the exercises enhance regional security and stability, but the participation of sanctioned states like Russia and Iran has sparked domestic and international concern, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Details about other BRICS members’ involvement remain limited, and the event could strain South Africa’s ties with the United States.